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My name is Sarah McVicar and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) based in Portland, ME and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults (18+) and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, stress, depression/mood disorders, substance use and co-occurring (mental health and substance use) disorders.
My approach
I use a person-centered approach that draws from a number of therapeutic modalities - including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), ecotherapy and mindfulness-based techniques - to best meet each person's individual needs and therapy goals. I work collaboratively with clients from a place of empathy and respect to identify clear and manageable steps toward achieving discussed goals.
My focus
My approach is a good fit for people who are engaged, curious and motivated to make a change and are looking to develop the skills, insight and support to take their next steps. Many clients I see struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use and/or a combination of these issues and are looking for a place where they can be seen, heard and encouraged to work toward their goals - at their own pace - without judgment.
My communication style
I work to create a therapy environment based in empathy and nonjudgment where clients can feel comfortable sharing authentically and feel they are being heard and supported unconditionally. I strive to listen deeply and be fully present with each client. Despite - or maybe because - therapy is serious work, I also find it helps to have a sense of humor!
My journey to mental healthcare
Becoming a therapist has been a winding journey! I have always been a good listener with an interest in people's stories and a desire to make a positive difference ('tikkun olam' - sometimes translated as 'repair of the world'). My personal experiences with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) ultimately led me to shift my focus from environmental work to therapy (although I still like to find ways to incorporate the natural world into my therapy practice!). I know that struggling with SUD and other mental health issues does not make you less of a person and it should not affect the quality of your healthcare.
My goals for you
My approach to goal setting with clients is rooted in collaboration, recognizing the client as the expert in their own experience and the primary agent of change in their recovery. Most of life happens outside the therapy room, and effective skill-building and goal setting cannot take place without the client's genuine interest and investment. I try to remind clients to be patient with themselves - setting manageable goals where they can be successful - as mental health skills, like any other skill (e.g., learning a sport or an instrument), take time and practice to develop.
My first session with you
It can be nerve-wracking coming to therapy, even if you've done it before! The first session is just about dipping your toes in the water - getting to know each other (you can ask questions too!), building connection and seeing if this is a good therapeutic 'fit'. During the first session, I try to gain an initial understanding of what the main issues are bringing someone into therapy, any relevant history that might inform those issues, and a general sense of the person's treatment goals - we'll work together in future sessions to figure out more specific steps and decide what approaches and skills will be most helpful.
